CHILLING - MARKHA- CUSTOM

Overview

Category: Moderately Easy Adventure.

We leave Leh to Chilling by jeep in the morning on the rugged barren field of Taru. En route we see the confluence of Indus and Zanskar River, where we cross the bridge on the Indus River and follow the Zanskar River on rough road for 2-3 hrs. Crossing the mighty Zanskar River is full of thrill and excitement in a cable trolley. On the other side of the river, we will meet our pony man with the horses. After crossing the small pass, it is an easy walk until Skiu.

Note:

50% advance payment confirms your booking.

We will transport all your belongings for you so that you only have to carry your day pack with camera, water bottle and jacket.

We serve three meals a day including snacks and drinks. We provide a variety of tasty healthy food including Indian, Chinese and Western meals with lots of vegetables and fruit.

What is included in the tour

Accommodation in Maryul Guest House for 3 nights in Leh with breakfast

5 sleeping bags for the trek

Road transportation from Leh to Leh by car.

Accommodation in tents on twin share basis during trekking.

2 horses for riding support

All meals (Day 3 Lunch to Day 8 Lunch)

All camping gear including tents and sleeping mattress. Kitchen, Dining and toilet tent

Permits and Entrance fees.

Good English speaking guide, cooks and porters, mules.

What is NOT included in the tour

Any Meals in Leh

Personal Insurance.

All alcoholic beverages and personal expenses.

Any sightseeing in Leh and around

Highlights

What makes this tour special

River Crossing on a Cable car

Markha Valley

Heightest Camping Nimaling at 4700m

Interaction with locals and insight into their lifestyle

highest point 5200m

Itinerary

Day 01 :

Arrive Leh

On arriving Leh transfer from airport to guesthouse and rest until midday. Leh lies at the latitude of 3500 m, so it is very important that you get proper rest before doing any activity. Visit Leh bazaar and surroundings in the afternoon.

Day 02 :

Day at Leh or visit the monasteries of Indus Valley on you own.

You can spend time in Half day excursion to some of the most ancient and famous Buddhist Monasteries of the upper region of the Indus Valley. If you want we can arrange a car and driver for you at extra cost.

Day 03 :

Chilling- Skiu (3-4 hrs):

We leave Leh to Chilling by jeep in the morning on the rugged barren field of Taru. En route we see the confluence of Indus and Zanskar River, where we cross the bridge on the Indus River and follow the Zanskar River on rough road for 2-3 hrs. Crossing the mighty Zanskar River is full of thrill and excitement in a cable trolley. On the other side of the river, we will meet our pony man with the horses. After crossing the small pass, it is an easy walk until Skiu.

Day 04 :

Skiu to Markha (7-8 hours):

Following the Markha River, we will hike through a lovely valley on a fairly level path. The trail crosses the river at various points, and passes winter settlements that contain Lhatos (religious shrines for local deities) and Mani walls (stones inscribed with Buddhist prayers). During peak season, a number of tented teahouses will be open for refreshment. Once we cross the river for the final time, we will arrive in Markha, the largest village in the valley (consisting of around 20 houses, an old monastery and a ruined fort). Note: Water and sunscreen are essential, since the valley is quite exposed.

Day 05 :

Markha to Thachungtse (5-6 hours):

The Markha valley trail continues past old stone-mills, a ruined castle and the auspicious monastery of Techa, which proudly perches upon a towering cliff that looms above Markha. It is well worth visiting, if we have the energy! The path then intersects the river several times before cutting through the last hamlets in the valley. After leaving the village of Umlung, we will be afforded our first view of mighty Kang Yatse (6400m), which will stay in sight until we cross Kongmaru La. After we break for lunch in the village of Hangkar (the last in the valley), we will press onward to the lovely green pasture of Thachungste, where we will make camp.

Day 06 :

Thachungtse to Nimaling (4 hours):

Today the trail will lead us up to the beautiful plateau of Nimaling, where the people of the Markha Valley bring their herds to graze during the summer months. At 4700m, Nimaling is the highest camp on the trek, giving us spectacular views of Kang Yatse to the right, the Zangskar Range and the Markha Valley below.

Day 07 :

Nimaling to Shang Sumdo via Kongmaru La (7 hours):

After a hearty breakfast, we will cross Kongmaru La (5200m), the highest pass on the trek and from here we can witness a wonderful view of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The 2-hour descent is quite steep, but will gradually level as we enter Shang Gorge, with its strange and otherworldly rock formations. More river crossings bar our way before we arrive at the sour-spring of Chuskurmo (used in traditional medicine by the Amchi doctors). After a break, we will cut through a couple of villages before reaching Shang Sumdo, where we will meet our taxi, and drive to Leh.

Day 08 :

Shang Sumdo - Leh via Martselang

We will enjoy a pleasant 2-hour walk along a jeep road to Martselang, where the jeep will pick us up. On the way to Leh, it will be possible to visit some of the great monasteries of Ladakh such as Thikse, Hemis and Shey.